Sample Tests

English

Get ready to dive into storytelling! This exciting test challenges students to explore:

Writer’s craft
Syntax
Comprehension
Vocabulary

Through engaging narrative texts, students will describe, explain, argue, persuade, and review — showcasing their full range of English skills in action.

"Challenge Literacy. Celebrate Talent."

English is more than just a subject — it’s the foundation of learning, thinking, and expressing ideas across every area of life. As a global language and a core part of the Australian curriculum, mastering English opens doors to academic and future success.

ICAS English offers an objective, curriculum-aligned assessment that measures key skills like:

Everyday literacy
Critical and creative thinking
Clear communication

Give your students the chance to shine. The ICAS English competition helps identify strengths, uncover learning needs, and build confident communicators for life.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Text Comprehension	Interpret, summarise, and evaluate arguments, ideas, and information in complex texts	Restate a supporting argument Summarise main ideas Use diagrams/tables to support conclusions Explain keys on maps/diagrams Analyse argument strength Infer character motivations Generalise writer’s purpose
Writer’s Craft	Identify and interpret advanced rhetorical and literary techniques	Identify complex devices (e.g., allusion) Interpret wordplay in titles Explain use of modality Analyse effects such as one-sentence paragraphs
Syntax	Apply knowledge of sentence structure and grammar to support coherence and meaning	Replace connectives Identify clause types (e.g., adjectival, adverbial) Use correct connectives or clauses Understand tense use for staging events
Vocabulary	Interpret word meanings, relationships, and figurative expressions	Recognise word relationships Interpret idioms Provide antonyms based on context

Mathematics

Get ready for a fun maths challenge! ICAS will stretch your brain with topics like:

Cool number tricks (like primes and fractions)
Algebra and patterns
Shapes, angles and space
Data, chance and measurement

You'll use logic, spot patterns, and solve real-world problems — all while proving just how clever your maths brain really is!

Think Big, Solve Smart

Today’s world runs on numbers — and tomorrow’s leaders will be those who can think critically, reason logically, and solve problems creatively. The ICAS Mathematics test goes beyond textbook sums. It gives students the opportunity to apply their numeracy skills in new and challenging ways, helping them grow as confident problem-solvers in and beyond the classroom.

Students are assessed on key areas including:

Algebra & Patterns
Numbers & Arithmetic
Measurement & Units
Space & Geometry
Chance & Data

Each test is curriculum-aligned and designed to stretch thinking, provide meaningful feedback, and reveal each learner’s unique strengths in mathematical reasoning.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Number & Arithmetic	Apply advanced number operations and relationships involving integers, fractions, and percentages	Identify/apply properties of prime, composite, square, and triangular numbers Convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages Order integers Solve problems using order of operations Add/subtract related fractions Find fractions of whole numbers Solve percentage problems (e.g. discounts)
Algebra & Patterns	Identify and complete numerical relationships involving complex fractions	Continue patterns involving related fractions Complete equivalent number sentences using order of operations
Measures & Units	Use metric conversions and time-related calculations for complex shapes and schedules	Convert units of area and volume Calculate perimeter and area of composite shapes (including triangles) Interpret timetables
Space & Geometry	Apply transformations, coordinates, and angle rules to solve geometric problems	Apply combinations of transformations to images Plot and interpret points on the Cartesian plane Apply angle properties (complementary, supplementary, vertically opposite, angles at a point) Solve problems using angle sum of triangles
Chance & Data	Represent and compare probabilities and data using advanced formats	Represent probabilities as decimals and percentages Compare experimental vs. expected frequencies Interpret and compare double column and sector graphs

Science

Get ready to unlock the secrets of the world around you! The ICAS Science test takes you on a journey through:

Earth & Beyond
Life & Living
Materials (Natural & Processed)
Energy & Change

You’ll be challenged to observe, interpret, investigate, predict, and problem-solve — just like a real scientist. It’s your chance to test your curiosity, apply what you know, and think in new and exciting ways!

Explore, Discover, Understand

Science is more than facts — it’s about asking questions, testing ideas, and exploring how the world works. The ICAS Science exam challenges students to think like scientists, applying key STEM skills through engaging, thought-provoking questions. Aligned to national curricula, the assessment provides an objective measure of students’ performance across key scientific domains, including:

Empirical observation
Experimentation
Scientific reasoning
Critical thinking

By interpreting data, predicting outcomes, and solving real-world problems, students gain valuable insights into their strengths — and a deeper appreciation for the power of the scientific method.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Observing & Measuring	Use scientific tools and quantitative scales to measure and record	Measure celestial bodies using ratio scales Measure electrical current and voltage Measure animals using relative sizes
Interpreting	Analyse diagrams, maps, tables, and formulas to extract scientific meaning	Interpret sedimentary rock graphs Read contour maps for landforms Interpret tables on substances Use animal dental formulas
Predicting & Concluding	Use data or observations to predict outcomes or draw reasoned conclusions	Predict tectonic plate movements Predict light ray behavior Conclude from sound data Understand energy emission patterns
Investigating	Explore, identify, and test scientific phenomena or tools	Investigate rocket propulsion Identify lab equipment Explore biological experiment variables Examine food chemical processes
Reasoning & Problem Solving	Apply scientific reasoning to determine relationships and solve problems	Determine trophic levels in food chains Identify pollution sources Use biological keys Recognise building structures from diagrams

Digital Technologies

The ICAS Digital Technologies test for Year 7 dives into the digital world students live in — and challenges them to think smarter, work faster, and create with purpose. From managing data and designing layouts to navigating systems and writing simple code — this test puts students at the heart of the digital age.

Students will demonstrate skills in:

Digital fluency & general tech know-how
Creative design with graphics & multimedia
Word processing mastery
Smart internet use & email etiquette
Introductory coding & programming
Spreadsheet logic & database skills

Skill for a Digital Tomorrow

In today’s tech-driven world, digital literacy is more than useful — it’s essential. The ICAS Digital Technologies exam helps students demonstrate their confidence, creativity, and capability with technology.

Aligned to year-level curricula, this assessment goes beyond basic computer use. It measures how well students can:

Navigate digital tools
Solve problems using technology
Communicate and create online
Work with data, spreadsheets, and code
Understand digital systems and safety

Skill Area	Core Topics	Student Outcomes – Tasks May Require Students To:
Digital Systems	OS performance Hardware & software Upgrades Storage solutions	Interpret performance indicators (disk space, memory, CPU, alerts) Identify viruses and warning messages Use flash drives/cloud storage efficiently
Word Processing	Advanced formatting Tables Tabs/spacing Hyperlinks	Format advanced tables Set line spacing and tabs Create hyperlinks Use concept mapping/brainstorming tools
Graphics & Multimedia	Online presentations Screenshots/image devices Data visualisation	Insert links in slides Capture/select digital images Interpret visual data Use multimedia presentation tools
Internet & Email	Advanced email Web design basics Social media Cyber safety	Create/manage collaborative online projects Recognise spam/security issues Build basic websites with HTML editor Append hyperlinks
Spreadsheets & Databases	Data filtering Complex sorting Formulas Views in databases	Format dates/numbers Apply filters and formulas Recognise different database views Conduct advanced data handling
Programming	Programming principles Pseudocode Simple algorithms Desk checking	Recognise loops/sequences in pseudocode Analyse simple algorithms Perform desk checking using test data

Spelling Bee

The ICAS Spelling Bee challenges students with high-level vocabulary, testing their:

Visual memory – Recognising how words look
Sound awareness – Linking letters and sounds
Word building knowledge – Using prefixes, suffixes, and root words
Word origin knowledge – Understanding Greek, Latin, and other language influences

From words like subtle to synchronise and continuous, this test rewards deep thinking and a love of language.

"Where Words Shape Bright Futures"

At Year 7, spelling becomes a deeper cognitive skill that underpins strong literacy development. The ICAS Spelling Bee offers a rigorous, curriculum-aligned assessment that evaluates visual, phonological, morphological, and etymological knowledge. Students are encouraged to apply sophisticated spelling strategies as they engage with advanced vocabulary — fostering improved written expression, academic resilience, and metalinguistic awareness that supports learning across all subjects.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Learning Outcome
Visual Knowledge	Recognise the visual patterns and features of correctly spelled words.	Spell common and uncommon words accurately using visual memory and recognition of word shapes and patterns.
Phonological Knowledge	Understand the relationship between sounds and their corresponding letters or groups.	Apply knowledge of phonics to correctly spell words with challenging sound-letter combinations.
Morphological Knowledge	Use knowledge of word parts like prefixes, suffixes, and root words.	Accurately spell derived forms of words by identifying and applying common morphemes.
Etymological Knowledge	Understand the origin of words to infer their spelling.	Use word origin knowledge (Latin, Greek, etc.) to spell technical, foreign, or multisyllabic words correctly.

Writing

Get ready to express your ideas with creativity and confidence! The Year 7 ICAS Writing competition focuses on two powerful forms of writing:

Narrative writing – Crafting compelling stories that capture the reader’s imagination
Persuasive writing – Building arguments that inspire, influence, and persuade

Students are assessed on grammar, punctuation, spelling, and how effectively they bring the chosen genre to life. It’s a chance to showcase originality, structure, and strong language skills — all on one powerful page.

"From Imagination to Impact."

Writing shapes how we think, connect, and succeed — in school and beyond. The ICAS Writing exam challenges students to harness the power of words through structured, curriculum-aligned assessments in two key genres:

Narrative writing – Telling engaging, imaginative stories
Persuasive writing – Crafting convincing arguments with purpose and clarity

Students are evaluated on grammar, punctuation, spelling, structure, and their ability to capture the intended style. The assessment also fosters vital skills like planning, creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression — foundational tools for academic achievement and lifelong communication.

Skill	Learning Objective	Student Learning Outcome
1. Writing Purpose & Genre	Understand and apply the features of narrative and persuasive writing genres	Demonstrates genre-appropriate structure, tone, and language to meet the writing task effectively
2. Idea Development & Structure	Organise and develop ideas logically with strong paragraphing and flow	Produces well-structured writing with clear beginnings, middles, and endings that build and connect ideas
3. Language & Expression	Use appropriate vocabulary and sentence variety for clarity and engagement	Writes with varied sentence structures and precise vocabulary to engage and inform the reader
4. Grammar & Syntax	Apply grammatical rules and conventions to support meaning and readability	Demonstrates consistent use of correct grammar and syntax across the text
5. Spelling & Punctuation	Use spelling and punctuation to ensure clarity and correctness	Spells accurately and uses punctuation effectively to structure sentences and clarify meaning
6. Persuasive or Descriptive Impact	Use emotive, logical, or creative techniques to enhance the writing’s purpose	Enhances writing with compelling arguments (persuasive) or vivid imagery (narrative), matching the task's intent